Throughout the past 25 years, a number of fair players have worn a Peoria Midwest League baseball uniform.

What sometimes can be forgotten is just how many great players have come through Meinen and O’Brien fields. The Peoria Chiefs’ 25th anniversary team, announced Monday, recognizes the greatest of those.

Team members travel the spectrum of baseball — from a few guaranteed Hall of Famers to prospects still on the rise.

The all-anniversary team was chosen by online balloting, in-person voting at central-Illinois Circle K stores and a panel of current and former Chiefs front-office personnel.

Both former Peoria players to have their numbers retired by the organization, first basemen Grace and Wally Joyner, are on the team. Joyner, the only member of the team from the Peoria Suns’ only season (1983), is the designated hitter.

The rest of the infield features Albert Pujols at third base, Pablo Ozuna at shortstop and Eric Patterson at second base.

The outfield features three Chiefs who went on to play for the Chicago Cubs: Rafael Palmiero, Jerome Walton and Dwight Smith. East Peoria native Girardi is the catcher.

Maddux, the first member of the Chiefs to play for the Cubs, anchors the starting rotation. Gallagher, Dan Haren, Rick Ankiel and Tyler Johnson round out the starters.

The bullpen features the all-time saves record-holder — Travis Welch, with 48 — and the single-season record-holder, Gene Stechschulte, with 33. Other relievers on the team are Thompson, Heathcliff Slocumb and Ed Campusano.

Danny Shaeffer, manager of the 2002 MWL champs, is the all-time team manager. He is joined on the coaching staff by former Chiefs managers Jim Tracy (1987-88) and Jody Davis (2006).

The team will be celebrated throughout the remainder of the season. A baseball-card set that features team members will be given to the first 1,500 fans at the Aug. 19 home game against Clinton.

The Chiefs tried to bring in some of the team members for an appearance, but schedule conflicts prevented that.

"We talked about bringing some (St. Louis) Cardinals players in, but they had an off day that ended up being a make-up game," Vonachen said. "Unless they are playing in Chicago or St. Louis with a noon game, it is tough to get them here and back."

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